Hello, first time posting so sorry if this is in the wrong place. I’m a mum of two (DS17 and DD13) and I’d describe myself as a moderate feminist - I believe strongly in raising my son to respect women, call out sexism when he sees it, and understand consent. I’m not the sort who wants to ban everything, but I do have my concerns about some media.
Yesterday DS was really excited and asked me to watch the new GTA VI trailer with him. I sat through the whole thing. It’s actually better than I expected in some ways - I liked that there’s a female character who seems central and quite tough. But overall it left me feeling uneasy. The whole tone is very hyper, violent and chaotic, with what looks like endless crime, guns, and this “Florida” satire that seems to mock everyone and everything. I know the GTA series has a long history of really problematic attitudes towards women (strip clubs, prostitutes, the way female characters have been treated in past games) and even if the trailer doesn’t shove it in your face, I can’t help worrying this one will be the same underneath.
He’s now asking if I’ll preorder it for him as all his friends are getting it on release and he’ll be 18 not long after. Part of me thinks I should just do it - he’s a good lad really, does well at sixth form, and I don’t want to be the overprotective mum who makes him miss out. But the other part is wondering if I’d be letting myself down as someone with feminist principles. OH says I’m overthinking it and “it’s only a bloody game.”
AIBU to be this conflicted about preordering? Or should I put my foot down on principle? TIA